Netherlands water shortage persists, despite rain

The rainfall over the past week was not enough to solve the precipitation deficit in the Netherlands, according to the national water distribution committee LCW. The drought measures will therefore remain in place. The quality of the surface water is also decreasing, NU.nl reports.

There's an increase of botulism and blue-green algae all over the country. The number of fish dying due to the poor water quality is also increasing.

The drought monitor published by the LCW on Thursday shows that water levels rose slightly in the IJsselmeer and a number of polders. As a result the water demand in the Netherlands decreased slightly. "But there is still a water shortage", the LCW said.

The salinisation in the mouth of the Hollandsche IJssel at Krimpen aan den IJssel decreased compared to last week. This is because a number of water boards pushed fresh water into the Hollandsche IJssel during the heavy rain showers last weekend, according to the LCW. However, it is expected that salt water will flow into the Hollandsche IJssel in the coming week, because fresh water will be extracted from the river again.

The low water discharge from the Rijn means that the salinisation in the mouth of the Rijn and Maas is also increasing. Not enough water is flowing to the sea to counter the salty North Sea water flowing into the country.